Senior Tooling Engineer

Date Posted:

2026-04-27

Country:

United Kingdom

Location:

Kilkeel, Newry, Mourne and Down

Position Role Type:

Onsite

Do you want to be part of a team working on cutting-edge innovations that shape the future of air travel? If so, Collins Aerospace is looking for a Senior Tooling Engineer to join our composites team onsite in Kilkeel, Northern Ireland.

At Collins Aerospace Kilkeel, we push the boundaries of innovation, prioritise safety and drive cost efficiency. Our mission goes beyond transporting people from point A to point B; we strive to make air travel more comfortable, connected, and secure.

As a global leader in aviation interior products and services, we partner with airlines and original equipment manufacturers to deliver outstanding travel experiences. 

What You Will Do

• Design, manage, and maintain all tooling activities for a composite manufacturing facility
• Collaborate with Integrated Product Teams (IPT) to develop optimised tooling solutions aligned with current manufacturing capabilities
• Lead the design of composite tooling using both internal and external resources
• Provide tooling cost estimates (VROM) to support programme planning and approvals
• Act as the subject matter expert for all tooling-related matters across the facility
• Create and maintain technical documentation, tooling standards, and specifications for vendors
• Plan and manage tooling maintenance schedules in line with production needs
• Oversee tooling projects end-to-end, including vendor selection, budgeting, commissioning, and acceptance
• Support and guide tool maintenance teams and repair shop activities
• Partner with Operations to resolve tooling-related challenges on the shop floor
• Drive continuous improvement in tooling strategies, cost efficiency, and product quality
• Lead and support initiatives to enhance manufacturing processes and tooling performance
• Promote a safe working environment aligned with company standards
• Any other duties as deemed relevant to the position

What You Will Learn

• Advanced composite tooling design and manufacturing processes
• End-to-end project management of tooling programmes
• Cross-functional collaboration within Integrated Product Teams
• Vendor management and external supplier engagement
• Continuous improvement methodologies, including lean manufacturing principles
• Problem-solving in a high-performance production environment
• How to optimise tooling for efficiency, cost, and quality in a real-world setting

Essential Criteria

• Minimum 2 years experience in a comparable professional role.
• 1 Year's working experience in 2D & 3D modelling.
• Third level qualification in Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent.

Desirable Criteria

• 1 Year’s working experience of composite production techniques & processes.
• 3 Year’s working experience in a tool manufacturing environment.
• 3 Year’s working experience of working with external vendors to deliver tooling packages
• Understanding of lean manufacturing techniques
• Knowledge of GD&T
• 1 year project management experience

What We Offer

We are committed to providing an industry-leading benefits package. Our offerings include:

• 25 days Annual Leave & 9 Public Holidays 
• Ability to buy & sell annual leave 
• Attractive Compensation Package 
• Private Medical Insurance 
• Generous Employer Contribution Pension Scheme 
• Early finish on Fridays 
• Flexible benefits tailored to you 
• Discounted gym membership 
• Life Assurance
• Group Income Protection 
• Professional Development & Growth 
• Support with professional fees 
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 
• Healthcare benefits (including healthcare cash plan) 
• Staff Discounts 
• Work/Life Balance 
• Wellness Programs 
• Employee Recognition 
• Employee Referral Bonus 
• Free onsite parking 
• Opportunities for progression and development 

How to Apply

• Please ensure your application clearly outlines how you meet the criteria required for this role.
• Submit your CV through Workday.
• Collins Aerospace is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

RTX adheres to the principles of equal employment. All qualified applications will be given careful consideration without regard to ethnicity, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.  

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